Birthday Festivities

We celebrated Sara's birthday over the course of three days.  Friday: cupcakes at school; Saturday: party with friends; Sunday: special day with mom and dad.  So I understood her confusion when, on Friday morning on our drive to school, she asked, "Mommy, am I three yet?"

I debated for a long time over where to have Sara's birthday party (actually, I first debated whether to have one at all, but my mom talked me into it).  A co-worked suggested McDonald's, and I'm so glad she did.  It was inexpensive (especially compared to other places), fun (food + play area), and easy (they provided everything from food to cake to goody bags for ten kids ... all we had to do was show up).  I guess I thought the McDonald's birthday party had become a thing of the past (of my past, specifically), but - oh, no - it was on in full force!

Sara & Audrey: birthday BFFs.

 This is Parker.  Sara talks about riding on the tire swing with him.  A lot.  According to Parker's mom, he also talks about Sara.  A lot.  There might be something there.  How cute is he?!

The only one standing in Parker's way could be this guy: Corbin.  If everyone had cancelled last minute and only Corbin would have been able to attend the party, Sara would have been just as happy ... we all love this boy!

 After Charlotte came to Sara's party, we turned around and went to a cookie party at Charlotte's.  Charlotte is about to be 4, and I think Sara wants to be just like her when she grows up.

 Ms. Ashley, one of Sara's teachers, came to the party.  The kids were all excited to see her, and I thought it was so sweet for her to give up a Saturday afternoon to spend more time with the kids she sees everyday.

Sunday was the real birthday.  When Sara woke up, I told her, "Today is your birthday!  You are THREE now!"  She was so excited.  We started the day with a special breakfast of eggs, hash browns, bacon, and cinnamon rolls. 

Later in the day, we went to open skate for Sara's first skating experience.  As many of you can guess, I have literally been waiting years for this (it might as well have been my birthday!).  Sara has a Pinkalicious book about ice skating, and has been asking about it for a while.  My days of teaching little ones came in handy as we practiced "march-march-marching" off and on the ice.

 Sara was hesitant at first, but soon caught on and made a few good laps around the rink.

She took a short break on the bench in between laps.  When we left, she said she wants to skate again.  Success! 

We ended our celebration with a meal at Matt's, complete with a complimentary ice cream sombrero that we all enjoyed.  This morning Sara asked, "Is my birthday over?"  I told her that yes, her birthday is over.  She then asked, "Am I still three?"  I assured her that she is still three, and that she will be three for a whole entire year.  To this, she responded, "WOW!  I got SO big, Mommy!" (Sigh.)